Commemorating Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day Annually on June 30

Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day: A Celebration of Enduring Bonds

Every year on June 30, the Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day is observed, marking the enduring ties between the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Spain. This day pays tribute to the 33 Spanish soldiers who bravely defended the Spanish flag during the Siege of Baler from 1898 to 1899, oblivious to the fact that Spain had already granted the Philippines independence on December 10, 1898. Their courage was so admired by the Revolutionary Army that General Emilio Aguinaldo declared them as friends. The Philippine–Spanish Friendship Day Act was officially enacted on July 22, 2002.

Historical Context of Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day

The Republic of the Philippines, located in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean, is an archipelago comprising over 7,000 islands and islets. The country’s name is derived from King Philip II of Spain, who was the reigning monarch during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. The country was under Spanish rule for over three centuries, followed by nearly 50 years of American governance.

In 1565, the Spanish conquistador Miguel López de Legazpi arrived in the Philippines, marking the onset of Spanish colonization. By 1571, Spanish Manila had become the hub of the Spanish East Indies. The Spanish subsequently expanded their control over neighboring territories. Despite constant resistance from the native Filipinos, Spain maintained its rule. However, the unjust execution of three activist Catholic priests in 1872 sparked a Spanish propaganda movement advocating for political reforms in the Philippines.

The Philippine Revolution, a conflict between Filipino revolutionaries and the Spanish military, began in 1896. The Philippines declared its independence from Spain in 1898. The Siege of Baler, where 33 Spanish soldiers defended the Spanish flag from 1898 to 1899, lasted almost a year. Upon learning of their country’s independence, General Emilio Aguinaldo issued an order to treat them as allies, impressed by their resilience.

Five Intriguing Facts about the Philippines

1. The Philippines houses three of the world’s largest shopping malls.
2. The world’s largest pearl was discovered by a diver in the Philippines.
3. The Philippines ranks as the thirteenth most populous country globally.
4. It is the world’s second-largest archipelago.
5. Approximately 175 languages are spoken in the Philippines.

Philippine-Spanish Friendship Day: Future Dates